The Coast Guard wants to help anyone who's in distress in the waters they patrol.

But they also want to avoid wasting precious time and resources each time they encounter an empty watercraft.

That's why the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary are asking canoe and kayak owner to identify their crafts.

They are offering free stickers that can be put on the inside of vessels with the owner's name and contact information.

The Coast Guard said it will make it easier for them to determine whether someone is really in distress.

"Sometimes the situation may be that the vessel just drifted off somehow, the person is at home on the couch, watching TV. What we want to prevent is our assets going out and conducting a search and rescue," said Chief Warrant Officer Craig Coburn of the U.S. Coast Guard.

To get a sticker, you can simply contact the Coast Guard Auxiliary by email at paddlecraftsticker@gmail.com. Include your name, address, and how many stickers you need.